All our courses are engaging, interactive and fun! Whether formal training or simply looking to brush up, we take online learning to the next level.
Sailing EssentialsFreeA free course great for anyone who spends time on the water.
Essential Navigation & SeamanshipRYA course for beginners. Learn charts, tides, pilotage, and core seamanship with simple practice tasks.
Day Skipper TheoryMost PopularRYA course for inshore skippers. Plan day passages using chartwork, tides, weather, and COLREGs.
Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonRYA course for advanced navigation and passage planning, secondary ports, tidal streams, and offshore weather.
SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseRYA Short Range Certificate radio course. Study online, then take the practical exam with an RYA assessor.Are you looking for something nautical related? Our directory is an extensive list of courses and places associated with the marine industry. Hop over and search now.
We believe every day’s a school day on a boat! That’s why we built Nautical Know-How, dedicated to answering your questions. Even better, if it can’t answer your question immediately, you can request it, and we’ll add it to our knowledge base.
Nautical Terms & TerminologyUnderstanding the language of the marine world is like trying to learn a pirate’s secret code while juggling fish. Let us explain why a sheet isn’t for your bed, why “heave ho” doesn’t mean throw up (most of the time), and why “dead reckoning” is surprisingly less ominous than it sounds.
Why do we have tides?Have you ever wondered what causes the tides? Check out this video, which introduces the forces that create the tides we experience on Earth.
What causes our weather?A video introducing the drivers behind our weather, part of our RYA Day Skipper & RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® Offshore theory courses.
Buoyage FlashcardsFlashcards designed to help remember the buoys in the IALA system. If you want to learn them in detail, our module ‘Getting in and out of harbour‘, covers the IALA system and different buoys used.
Interactive Rule Book (COLREGs / IRPCS)Whether you’re a novice sailor or a seasoned skipper, we can help you navigate the IRPCS confidently and clearly. Our easy-to-use, easy-to-understand, plain English rule book with helpful interpretations of what each rule means.
The Salty Sea BlogFrom salty old sea dogs to fresh-faced deckhands, this blog is for anyone who finds peace, adventure, and a bit of mischief on the water. So hoist the main, set your course, and let’s sail into the stories, lessons, and musings that make life on the sea so irresistible.Say goodbye to information overload and hello to focused, bite-sized learning! Our Crib Sheets collection is your go-to resource for nailing the essential points, whether you’re gearing up for your Day Skipper Theory, Yachtmaster, or just brushing up on the rules of the road. Packed with clear, concise information and designed to be easy to read on the go, these downloads are the perfect way to keep your knowledge sharp and your confidence high. Download a crib sheet today and keep your sailing know-how shipshape!
Heading out to sea? Make sure you know exactly which inshore sea area you’re sailing in — and which coastguard to call if you need assistance. This free crib sheet gives you a clear, easy-to-follow overview of the UK’s Inshore Waters Forecast sea areas, including…
PDF · 1 file · 260.89 KB
Updated 15 April 2026 · 44,118 downloads
Here’s a handy crib sheet you can download that lists all 31 Shipping Forecast sea areas at a glance, complete with their names, locations and key details—perfect for mariners, weather enthusiasts or anyone who needs a quick reference when tuning into the forecast. Whether you’re…
PDF · 1 file · 698.59 KB
Updated 15 April 2026 · 47,490 downloads
This crib sheet provides a clear and easy-to-follow reference for the NATO Phonetic Alphabet — the internationally recognised system used to spell out letters clearly over radio or telephone. From “Alpha” to “Zulu,” each code word is designed to avoid confusion when letters sound similar,…
PDF · 1 file · 123.95 KB
Updated 8 October 2025 · 2,008 downloads
Whether you’re preparing for your SRC(VHF) exam or simply brushing up on your communications discipline, this crib sheet puts the essential marine prowords at your fingertips. Prowords (procedure words) are standardized signal‐communication shortcuts—like “Over,” “Correction,” and “Say Again”—that ensure clarity, brevity, and mutual understanding over…
PDF · 1 file · 344.18 KB
Updated 5 September 2026 · 8,089 downloads
Sharpen your understanding of Rule 22 with our Visibility of Lights Crib Sheet, designed for sailors aiming for the Yachtmaster® and beyond. This concise download demystifies the critical requirements for how far different navigation lights must be visible, giving you the knowledge you need to safely…
PDF · 1 file · 77.72 KB
Updated 6 June 2025 · 85 downloads
Elevate your knowledge of collision regulations with our IRPCS – Specialist Lights & Shapes Crib Sheet! Tailored for those preparing for the Yachtmaster® exam or anyone wanting to deepen their understanding, this handy download demystifies the special lights and shapes used by vessels at sea –…
PDF · 1 file · 102.12 KB
Updated 8 July 2025 · 134 downloads
Sound off your knowledge with our IRPCS Sound Signals Guide! This essential download brings the Day Skipper Theory & YachtMaster syllabus to life by demystifying the crucial language of short blasts, prolonged sounds, and rapid signals. From the solitary “I am altering course to starboard” to…
PDF · 1 file · 153.92 KB
Updated 8 October 2025 · 206 downloads
Understanding and identifying navigation lights is a crucial part of staying safe at sea and complying with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS). This crib sheet focuses specifically on vessels making way—those that are underway and moving through the water under their own…
PDF · 1 file · 116.40 KB
Updated 8 July 2025 · 122 downloads
Light up your knowledge with our IRPCS Light Definitions Crib Sheet, designed for those aiming to conquer the Yachtmaster exam! This essential download puts Rule 21: Definitions at your fingertips, breaking down the shapes, colours, and arcs of visibility that every advanced sailor must know. From…
PDF · 1 file · 88.51 KB
Updated 3 June 2025 · 124 downloads
Get a head start on your Day Skipper Theory with our Day Shapes, Lights & Sounds Crib Sheet, your essential guide to the must-know signals that keep everyone safe at sea. This handy download breaks down the specific shapes and lights you need to understand as…
PDF · 2 files · 109.34 KB
Updated 21 May 2026 · 266 downloads
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